More and more people are turning to online therapy services, or teletherapy, to access mental health treatment away from the confines of a medical centre. Although it requires an adjustment, online therapy has proven to be a valuable resource in dealing with issues affecting mental wellbeing.
Finding the correct type of therapy is crucial, regardless of where you are in your mental health journey. If you choose virtual counselling as your preferred treatment avenue, it is imperative to understand its benefits and how effective it can be compared with in-person therapy.
According to the American Psychological Association, teletherapy is as effective as in-person sessions for treating various mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders. However, its reach and effectiveness are limited, especially when it comes to severe ailments such as bipolar disorders.
Thus, if you have a severe mental illness, it would require intensive care, making in-person therapy more appropriate as it allows for close monitoring and face-to-face communication.
Nonetheless, teletherapy often makes it easier for prospective clients to take the first step towards treating their mental health ailments from the comfort of their own homes.
1. Privacy and confidentiality
Stigma and discrimination make it challenging for affected individuals to openly seek mental health services and treatment, leaving many to suffer in silence.
This, however, has changed owing to the uptake in online therapy services, which allows individuals to access help from the comfort of their home or workspace confidentially. Individuals can now seek treatment and recover without worry of judgment from any party.
In addition, the best teletherapy services run on secure platforms that ensure encrypted communication, safeguarding privacy and confidentiality during your sessions.
2. Convenience
Today’s hectic lifestyle offers little room for people to slow down and take care of their mental wellbeing. The journey to and from a health centre or hospital can be tedious, especially those living in rural areas.
Online therapy offers greater convenience than traditional sessions. Instead of commuting to your therapist’s office, sign up for virtual sessions and undertake them in the comfort of your home.
Virtual sessions offer flexible scheduling options, including evening and weekend appointments, allowing you to choose the time that best suits you. You only need a reliable internet connection.
The downside is that there can be disruption if you are in a location with low or poor internet connectivity, which can affect video and voice quality.
3. Different modes of delivery
For some, having to meet with a counsellor in person can be intimidating, leading them to develop a fear of caring for their mental health. Thankfully, virtual therapy offers different delivery modes – including live chats, videos, and texts – that make it effective for those who are daunted by face-to-face interactions.
4. Collective expertise
The pandemic has forced many people, including professionals, to create a virtual presence for their services. Teletherapy allows different mental health professionals to come together and provide their expertise collectively.
Unlike in-person sessions, where you might have to visit a different therapist for another issue at a different time and location, virtual therapists are under one roof. All you need to do is make online appointments and attend the sessions from wherever you are.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg and host of ‘The DRH Show’. Connect with him on Twitter @dennisr_howell.